Phase 1 Complete on Sempra U.S. Gas & Power Plant in Arizona

Sempra U.S. Gas & Power, a subsidiary of San Diego-based Sempra Energy, said it completed the first phase of its Mesquite Solar 1 plant, located near Phoenix.

The 150-megawatt plant in Arlington, Ariz., now generates sufficient electric power for about 56,000 homes, and ranks among the largest solar plants in the nation, SUSGP said.

SUSGP President Jeffrey Martin said the completion of the first phase puts the company on track to own and operate more than 1,000 megawatts of renewable energy by the end of this year.

Construction, which began in June 2011, employed about 450 workers. Energy from the plant is being sold to Pacific Gas & Electric under a 20-year agreement, SUSGP said.

Arizona Governor Jan Brewer said the plant not only generates clean energy but quality jobs for her state. “I am thrilled to see our great state at the forefront of this promising industry, and I look forward to Arizona continuing to establish itself as our nation’s solar capital,” Brewer said.

Future phases for Mesquite could produce more than 700 MW, making it one of North America’s largest solar power installations, SUSGP said.